Technical Manager

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Duty Station: Arusha, Tanzania

1.0 INTRODUCTION

TAHA, an apex private sector member-based organization mandated to develop and promote horticultural value chain (flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and horticultural seeds) in Tanzania. TAHA’s goal is to improve the growth and competitiveness of the horticultural industry in the country for social and economic gains. TAHA is seeking for a motivated and highly experienced individual to fill the position of Chief Technical Manager to oversee production, market access, business development services, and cross-cutting issues (nutrition, gender, youth, food safety and environment). The role requires strong leadership and management skills to ensure the effective coordination and execution of TAHA’s strategic objectives. The Technical Manager will work closely with various stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector partners, and donor agencies, to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Tanzania’s horticultural sector.

2.0 POSITION OVERVIEW

The position oversees all production and market access activities, ensuring improved agricultural practices, technology adoption, and access to local and international markets for horticultural value chain actors. It involves establishing learning platforms, promoting climate-resilient farming, coordinating with financial institutions, and enhancing business development services for SMEs. The role also ensures integration of cross-cutting themes such as gender, youth, nutrition, and environment across all TAHA operations. Additionally, the position demands strong team leadership, strategic representation, and a high level of professionalism to manage complex, multi- stakeholder initiatives effectively.

3.0 POSITION OVERVIEW

a. Production:

• Technology drive and promoting Good Agricultural Practices to farmers, focusing on optimizing production efficiency, improving crop quality and yield, and ensuring successful adoption of the promoted practices.
• Establishing and managing practical learning platforms like Practical Training Centers, Demo plots, Farmer Field Days and Farmer exchange visits. All these must be implemented within the context of ever-changing climate arena.
• Collaborate with research institutions, partners, development projects and extension service providers to disseminate innovative technologies and practices to farmers across the value chain.
• Establishing and institutionalize a robust, sound and cost-effective extension system

b. Market Access and Business Development Services:

• Developing and implementing marketing strategies to tap into local, regional and international market opportunities, as well as facilitating value chain actors to access these markets.
• Overseeing the collection and analysis of market data, guide the development of market requirements and guidelines, and lead capacity building programs to enhance farmers’ productivity and market competitiveness for all the value chain actors.
• Ensuring cost effective operationalization of TAHA managed market infrastructures.
• Coordinating with financial service providers to develop friendly tailor-made financial products for horticultural value chain actors. Capacitate value chain actors on financial literacy and link them to financial institutions for loans.
• Ensuring capacity building on entrepreneurship to value chain actors using TAHA approved methodologies including B|U|S
• Identify and evaluate and develop concept notes for funding opportunities to enhance capacity of Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Formalise registration of informal Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with respective authorities and regulatory agencies.

c. Cross cutting issues:

• Developing and overseeing the implementation of strategies and policies of TAHA’s cross cutting themes.
• Ensuring integration and implementation of cross-cutting themes into TAHA operations.
• Establishing strategic partnerships for enhanced efficiency and impact in the implementation of TAHA’s cross cutting themes.
• Mobilizing resources for execution of cross cutting themes.

d. Team Management

• Supervising the ground team and ensuring proper management and utilization of assets and resources.
• Compiling and monitoring departmental plans and targets and ensuring regular performance evaluation and feedback management.
• Ensuring harmony and efficiency in the team, institutionalization of sound operating system, regular capacity checks and team coaching including timely strategic adjustment as you maintain a high level of professionalism and timeliness in guiding your supervisees.
• Identify skills in the team for development as well as emerging challenges and provide guidance in addressing critical team issues.
• Create and implement platform for management discussions and ideas sharing.

e. Reporting

• Ensure quality and timely reports are produced and shared with relevant parties in close collaboration with the Programs and MEAL Departments

f. Representation

• Represent TAHA and the industry in events related to production and market access as assigned by the CEO.
• Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor

g. Complexity of Role:

• Will require a high level of professionalism, eloquence and trustworthiness.
• Maturity in handling the team and partners, a strong focus on strategic relationships and less focus on feelings or instincts.
• Ability to create the right environment for success against a backdrop of diverse and often conflicting needs and timelines.
• Ability to manage tasks crossing multiple projects or functions.

4.0 QUALIFICATIONS

Degree Level

Master’s degree in agriculture general, Horticulture, Agri-business/Economics, Agricultural Marketing or any other related field.

Experience

• At least 7 years of experience in senior managerial position.
• Demonstrated technical experience in Agriculture/Horticulture sector will be an added advantage.

Key Skills

Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, management, and leadership skills; goal-oriented, flexible, and creative under pressure; research, multimedia platforms; strong budgeting, Internet, and computer skills

5.0 Why Join TAHA?

Join a passionate team committed to innovation, collaboration and impact.

6.0 APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and detailed CV to recruitment@taha.or.tz by 23rd June 2025 with the subject line: “Application for Technical Manager”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

TAHA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Join us at TAHA and contribute to the growth and development of the horticulture industry in Tanzania.